My Final Thoughts on the Indian Motorcycle Vintage Dark Horse
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- I took the Indian Motorcycle Vintage Dark Horse on a final ride to sum up how it is living with this big American cruiser in the UK.
From commuting in London, to parking, the cost of living with it and generally how it is using this bike on a daily basis.
Despite this being a dream motorbike for me, I tried to stay as impartial as possible and point out the positives and negatives.
Thanks very much and I hope you enjoy it!
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Gear for the Day:
- AGV X3000 helmet
- Throttlesnake Road Roamer Gloves
- Throttlesnake Shoe Protector
#indianmotorcycle #vintagedarkhorse #indianmotorcyclevintage
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Find me on:
- Instagram: / dob.bs
- And for my Podcast, Pinterest, motorcycle reviews and favourite gear:
www.freddiedob...
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My take on it is as follows. Far better than a Harley; to me, Indian was always the premier American V twin cruiser. Being somewhat 'mature' in age, I don't like the modern fad of all matt black bikes. It's actually much cheaper for manufacturers of cruisers to cut down on chrome and quality paintwork. Indian's in their heyday were available in some gorgeous colours with appropriate chrome.
Then, as you point out - to your credit as someone in love with the machine - there are some dubious design details, or more appropriately 'lack' of design details. My Ducati was pricey, but the attention to detail and overall quality fit and finish I rate even higher than my BMW. Whereas, frankly, Indian are taking your back teeth out for that money......and well they know it! I was stunned when you showed how there isn't even twin fuel tanks, but instead a screw on petrol cap! The instrumentation is also sub par for a £20k plus bike, as I mentioned in your first video. That wiring loom you show should also be done a lot better.
Anyways, perhaps while you are making your mind up, try some more bikes out, if only to reinforce the Indian is for you......but you may yet be taken by some other exotica. MV Augusta, Triumph's Rocket 3, Ducati, Aprillia, BMW. You're young, and have time a plenty, so don't rush into this purchase is all I'm saying.
Thanks very much for the input, really appreciated. The Rocket III, and also Harley Softail Deluxe are bikes I really want to try too.
And interesting how highly you rate Ducati- I've never ridden one and it's a brand I'd love to try out.
Thank you🙂
Another great vid Freddie! It’s not my type of bike however your insight and passion kept me watching. Thanks again....PS...we (your followers should crowd fund one of these for you !)
Thanks so much for the support! And I love that crown funding proposal!😀
Great honest review, love your style and passion, Monica is brilliant too, keep them coming
Really glad you enjoyed it, thanks Stanley!
Glad the after thought bits n bobs on the bike didn't take away from your overall enjoyment of it Freddie..It's an outlandish bike🤣I'd love a spin on it.
None of those bits n bobs detracted from my overall enjoyment and love of the bike- it's a dream!🖤
Another great review. I completely agree with your negatives.
Thanks Dennis!
I owned this bike for two years and I thoroughly enjoyed. After 25,000 miles , I was offered a deal on the 2022 Harley Davidson Nightster-monthly payment $100 less and an insurance savings of $50 monthly. My Nightster only weighs 450 pounds and handles similar to my former Ducati 696 Monster. I miss the bike at times but the Nightster is a blast to ride
You're a young lad. Lots of time for big cruisers. I get how hard it is walking away from a bike that you're smitten with. Hehee!
Freddie that’s a fantastic review. Brilliant channel my friend loving the vibe.
Thank you.
Informative and entertaining yet again, continue to keep it real Freddie 👌👍
Thanks Darryl!
Another cracking watch. Cheers Dobbs
Appreciate it Roo!
Thanks Roo!🙂
Try BMW R18 before pulling a trigger ;) Good show and vibes ... !
Very good shout!
I’d love to see you try an R18 and hear your thoughts on it vs Indian vs Harley!
The left side “fuel cap” is keeping with the vintage theme. Old fuel tanks on these massive bikes were two fuel tanks that you filled separately. Maybe you knew that already and I’m just typing Into the internet Willy nilly. But I agree with the other cosmetic things. At that price all of those screw should be hidden and panels flush.
Thanks so much Mike, I didn't know that about the twin fuel caps! Really appreciate the input🙂
I test rode the dark horse bobber from Krazy Horse a couple of months ago, and whilst i loved a lot about it, I totally agree with you Freddie about some 'after thought' parts. The main thing for me, and im not sure what they are made of, but the grips felt very plastic like and cheap, compared to what ive experienced on triumph, for a premium top end bike, just something i didnt expect. I went for a 2015 triumph thunderbird storm, absolutely loving it, at half the price
Your spot on with the negatives. The extra 'fuel' cap is a nod to the early Indians that had oil in the left side of the tank. It is a Vintage after all.
Now all the nupmpties know the false cap unscrews there will be thousands stolen
I've watched so many of your videos over the last week or so, all impeccable and I subscribed straight away, one minor problem, we all know you're 6'1" but when you give details on a motorbike I'd love to know your inside leg measurements, you could have a long torso and short legs, just to get a perspective please say your inside leg measurements so we can get an idea of how we can/can't flat foot a bike when at traffic lights.( im 5'10" with a 30 inside leg) I hope you get what I mean now?
That said, I've been racking my brain who Monica looks like, a young Sally Field (cool btw) she's a great addition to your channel and you both are so good. Thanks for hours of entertainment and see you on your next adventure ✌️ 🤙 🤟
Just got this bike!
I saw someone mention the plug is for a battery tender. While that is something you can do with it, I'm pretty sure it was positioned there so you can easily plug in heated clothing.
What a beast. Although for the price I really would struggle to justify it. The BMW R1250RT and BMW K1600 GT Sport offer far better value for money. That said, it is a pretty bike to see other people riding.
As the proud owner of a stunning 2019 Indian Springfield in gray and burgundy, the Vintage and Springfields are the epitome of cruiser class. Cruising heaven all day, every day. And as you said about how it makes you feel, it's hard to describe, it's just special. What's the price tag on that feeling?
So so true- I’m with you 100%!👌🏻🤘🏼🏍
Wow, I just stumbled onto your channel, excellent. Well done, keep it up.👍
Thank you Rory!🙂
You want one do ya young man you will ...as an old man of 70 , next month ... I am thinking I need to get mine before my old body gives up..One last grand gesture to a life long love affair with motorcycles. My Bro would approve and have loved to had this chance in his old age. Ride the tires off it USA , Canada.....Mexico I don't think so anymore. Camp out mostly budget riding...would love to have someone like Monica driving my Chevy Van on follow up and for rides around the camp areas exploring on the Motorcycle and lunches off near a small river with a picnic lunch...If it's just me it will be a can of beans in camp nursing a hang over...lol..time for me to get it together I think I have found a nice one...
In my opinion. This is one of the most beautiful cruisers we will ever see from Indian. Sadly,
I reckon if you bought one of these, the heavy weight would get to you pretty soon, and you'd regret the purchase. One of my bikes is an MT-01 [do you know it?]. It is only 263 kg wet / fuelled, but it is still noticeable. This Indian is not worth 21,000 GBP base price. A Triumph Scrambler and a little car = a great idea. If I was still in London, I suppose I'd have to have a car. Rain.
Another top-class video.
Just FYI - Actually the pillion for the vintage is $359usd with studs and $309usd without studs. The Indian bike building tool doesn't show all options. You can download the accessories PDF from their website, it's complete.
Thanks you very much for the heads up- I had no idea about this so really appreciate this🙂
Hm, that´s one gripe regarding many bikes! To be more or less forced to upgrade stuff like suspension, exhaust, or the seat just to make the bike rideable. One could presume that paying high money those things should be ironed out, like when buying a car. The accessories are their lively hood. It is what it is i recon... Beautiful bike, minus the tassels :) and that wiring. Big and unwieldly, but it IS American. A welcome pause from all those Harleys.
Great video again, keep up the good work!
Very true, it's just the way things are now with accessories. The USA at its absolute best!
Thanks very much!🙂
I didn't think you would actually seriously consider buying one. Not really the bike for London and how long before you get fed up of having to lay down to undo the security chain. ( I suppose you could always delegate that task to Monica). Hold off until you test ride the Speedmaster. I like the Scout but would fit Ape Hangers and tall Sissy Bar however, for the same money you can have the Speedmaster with traction control and rider modes.
It is hugely impractical, but I just can't help myself- I love it!😆
I can only imagine the frustration taking the petrol cap off only to find its decorative!
That was a first for me!😆
I rode the Scout in Orlando back in 2016 and was underwhelmed, and this bike feels similar. It’s hard to challenge the position Harley has in this market and in the UK the US import duty adds a premium so puts the price up against the competition; was surprised you said you’d still buy one, though it’s all down to individual taste👍
Very interesting that you also weren't a huge fan of the Scout. I Should try some of Harley's new lineup to compare the two marks.
The import duty really does start to make a difference once they've reached the UK!
I know it's slightly flawed, but I just can't help myself- I love it!😆
Thanks for the input Gareth🙂
Hi Freddie really enjoyed this video of yours. I liked the details that you mentioned. Also i want to know if you have ridden Harley 48. I really love it's looks but like you mentioned concerned about it's "real cost" of owning as compared to t120. Can you throw some light on that?
Also i have some recommendations/ideas which you may want to make videos on:
1. Comparing bikes of same segment or price point (specially for the new riders)
2. Customised bikes, custom bike shops around you and ofcourse their cost involved.
3. We always talk about seat height of motorcycles and if it's good for short riders or not but we never talk about people who are tall like you. So please consider that thing too and maybe make videos on the bikes that are actually comfortable for tall riders.
Thanks so much for these ideas Vivek, I've saved these all!🙂
And I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos.
I've never ridden a Sportster, but my neighbour owned an 883 Sportster from 2004 and said that it is significantly more expensive to own/maintain than his Honda NCX.
The T120 I think will have quite reasonable running costs.
I would like to see your thoughts on a new Harley Low rider S. It's my personal bike and I love hearing a British opinion on American bikes. You did a great, honest review with this dark horse. Thanks!
Great review and yes it has a hell of a price tag but life is short.
Freddie do you think a 5.9 guy can ride easily without bending forward? , because it's long bike and is it easy to turn for a 5.9 guy
Forgot to add both my wife and son walked in when you were on the bike and both said 'wow it looks so cool'. Son said it looked like a horse which I suppose fits.
That's brilliant!🐎
😆
Great review - the Indian is proof that taste has nothing to do with money. It’s everything that’s wrong with motorcycles.
the difference between the oil changes is because the scout is water cooled
what sucks is that their heated seats are the best looking and obviously most comfortable seats, but you pay out the ass for them. *edit* ok that faux gas cap is a huge turn off. out of all the negs you pointed out, that and the seam by the radiator are an instant turn off. The gas cap, more than anything. In fact, if I owned one, I would remove it and get that shit filled sanded and painted over.
A Masterpiece Review! 100% Insightful!
Would love to see your review of the Triumph street scrambler! Can we expect that soon? 😂
It's coming in July!😃
Brilliant review, it’s too ugly get a road king special 😳😁👍
Worth comparing with the BMW R18 Freddie, if you can get a London dealer or BMW to loan you one, can confirm the detailing is sublime and cheaper than the Indian and they’ve just issued a more touring saddle etc.
They look superb and have done an incredible job of keeping it looking like a BMW, but also be a genuinely cool cruiser and a viable alternative in the market. I'll try and borrow one!🙂
Great balanced review Freddie, I think delving into the costs and the negative points is even more important when you start spending this kind of money on a bike. Yes it's cool but I agree it has flaws, at this price I would expect more premium touches ie. better speedo clock, adjustable levers, heated grips, cruise control and as for Matt Black finishes? That's a no no for me, difficult to keep looking new over time. Manufacturers that back you into a corner for things like pillion seats should also go and sit on the naughty step IMHO. Indians are cool but I still think the FTR is where it's at for the best mix of value, performance, handling etc in their range, looking forward to the next upload, ride safe, Steve
Thanks Steve and that's really interesting you mention the matt black paint- I hadn't considered this, but a few others have mentioned that they're not fans of it too.
The FTR looks brilliant and looks borderline scary (in the best possible way!) with 120hp!
@@FreddieDobbs Matt paint jobs are a nightmare, you need a special matt cleaning shampoo to avoid damaging the finish, they’re a bit softer so tend to show zip scratches and marks and if you rub your jeans up against them enough times they start polishing up into a gloss 🙄 I stick with gloss clear coat finishes as a rule, weather’s nice get out on your Bonnie mate, cheers, Steve
Agree with everything you pointed out , spot on fella
Talking 2k+ over a Rocket 3GT Freddie, agree crazy money, but lovely beasts,, other thing to note re the Scout/FTR motor being that was developed for the cross Indian-Victory platform. Water cooling can also stretch out the servicing interval. My Rocket is every 10k.
That's really interesting re the service intervals and water cooling! I also had no idea the Scout/FTR was developed for the Indian/Victory platform. That's serously impressive with the Rocket's service intervals!
Beautiful bike.
What about taking Monica across America on a big V twin some day? I think maybe that’s where they make best sense.
That is an absolute dream of mine!!
... pity about the small touches that make it seemed unfinished ... but still badass bike.
Oh I agree- still an absolute dream bike!🖤
best shoe protector ive seen, a tampon.
The short comings of the bike would put me off, especially the price. Do look at some of the Harley's before making the plunge, particularly the Road King Special. Thanks for a great review.
That's a really good shout re the Road King Special- I'd be very curious how it compares to the rival Harleys! Thanks Mark🙂
to be fair, the Harley Fatboy also has the same fuel cap replication and it kind looks kool. Its like nuts, im sure one will look odd without the other and like them too, you kind get used to having it around
🤣🤣
Interesting about the Fatboy!
The exposed frame neck looks really funky on these...like they failed at making a good looking goose neck frame.
You can buy locks that go over the front brake lever.
Definitely needs a toe-heel shifter’ no shoe scuffs..
I've never tried one of those!
I think a MARMITE moment , you either love it or hate it . Think hard Freddie , if it turns up for Xmas , you are going to live with it for a very long time , or we are going to get some very funny shaky , shaky videos , if any at all , and a lost drone . May be you should ask Monika , what she thinks ,as if she could live with it ? Thanks for the video and thoughts on the Indian , my jury is still out , as I ate to much Marmite as a kid . Stay and ride safe you two and roll on Xmas . But lets have a summer first .
It's been the most polarising bike I've tried, definitely! I still really want it, but would need a comfy seat for Monika!😀
I suspect with your glorious review of the Vintage DarkHorse, They'll want to reward you 'someone's. Don't know how for sure, but I have an idea. .
Good review
Thanks Greg!
On another note, put a deposit down on the 2022 Triumph Speed Twin today and am anticipating delivery in August!
No way!! That's fantastic, you'll be having sleepless nights with excitement until then!😃
It's true Indians are not cheap..i've owned a Vintage n a Roadmaster..accesorries pricey too!!..but what I can say they are well made..Ride Safe!! 😀
I love the look of the Roadmaster- that looks like an ultimate long distance machine!💪🏼
@@FreddieDobbs it is..😀
I am really enjoying your videos! Who picks the music? Monika? I considered a Springfield but then got bored of cruising. Balanced review. Keep it up!
Really glad you're enjoying them!🙂 Apart from the talking, Monika does pretty much absolutely everything!
The Springfield is absolutely stunning but interesting that you got bored of cruising (I've always wondered if I'd get bored of it, if I owned a cruiser)
@@FreddieDobbs I felt more like a passenger than a rider after a while. I now have a sporty bike (Tuono) and a dirt road capable bike (R NineT UGS).
wouldnt the tassels get burnt on the exhaust??
no. The saddlebags are 100% real leather.
@@HeroGuitar94 Leather burns
Forgot to say Freddie, check out Brandon Bicasso’s channel, he’s got the Chief and will be putting out a long mile test review shortly, same motor, dark finish, cheaper and proper saddle. Just a thought, ride easy..
Brill, I definitely will do thanks JB🙂
I take IT Monika said NO and your walking of in a HUFF , OH THE POWER OF A YOUNG LADY . LOL .
Spot on!😆
God bless the world, just buy and ride.
Get the sen a Triumph modern classlc you know it makes sense.
Agreed! I've got the Street Scrambler and Speedmaster coming soon- VERY excited for those two!
@@FreddieDobbs looking forward to your reviews Freddie as I always do.
Cool vid but ooof the price tag and with the ripp off extras nooo thanks' I can't help but wonder how many people actually buy these bikes I have yet to see one in the flesh . Good ending ha : D
Thanks Malcolm, it really is a veeeery big price tag, and you're right- they're very rare bikes!
Glad you enjoyed the vid!🙂
I'm fairly new to your channel, so I'm bit late to this video. Any chance of you getting a ride one of the newer Dark Horse models. I love these bikes and the newer ones look even better...A bit more stripped back and significantly cheaper than the old ones. I think they start at less than £16k... which I know still isn't cheap, but it's about £2k less than the starting price of the older model.
Where can you get these saddle bags in australia
If they are not an option it because it was last year's model
Hi great videos mate, I'm interested to see what you'd think of the Fat bob. 5k cheaper than that. Keep up the good work
Thanks Gaz! Very good shout re the Fat Bob- I’ll try and get one!👌🏻👌🏻
I had been considering either a Harley Davidson Fat Boy or a Indian Dark Chief (both are beautiful looking motorcycles), but simply could not justify the money. In the end I opted for a Triumph Rocket 3 Roadster which cost me £9.5k, spent £2k on upgrades (new exhaust; headers and silencer, K&N's on the throttle bodies and a custom dyno tune) and now it kicks out 160 rwhp and 160 rw torque, miles above the numbers of both of those aforementioned bikes. The bike is frankly mental, it accelerates like a sports bike.
Great channel!! Congrats!!
Which gear do you use for hot weather? Thanks
Thanks for the support pedro!🙂
I’ll try and do a summer riding gear video within the next week!👌🏻👌🏻
@@FreddieDobbs Great!! Thanks
Nice 👍🙂
And be good if Indian loaned you a Dark Chief, which I think is a better compromise between Scout and Vintage
I'm on the case with this already😆
Personally i would buy a BMW R18 for that amount.
Just looks much better.
Certainly a marmite machine. Love the engine look but the rest looks a bit like a Ford Sierra plastic makeover. Just my view 🙂
OMG - Insurance is expensive in the UK!! Is the high premium all down to motorcycle theft? I see you are always worried that your bike is going to be stolen. Here in Sydney insurance is less than a third of the costs you have to pay. Keep the content coming & let’s hear a little more from Monica.
Jeeezz... I have two fully covered bikes and one bike with liability only for 600 a year...
It is gorgeous.
Isn't it!
Would you rather take this bike/the springfield or the scout bobber twenty? I’m lost in between
Oooooooh, the Vintage for me, but veeeery close call!
You should test ride the Bonneville Bobber! I just got the 2018 bobber black and it’s one of the most unique and slick bikes on the market.
I love the Bobbers! Because I need two seats, I've asked to try the Speedmaster in July!🙂
I also think the Triumph bobber is the best looking cruiser (is it a cruiser? I think they can be ridden quite hard) out there at the moment. However i don’t believe there is a pillion seat option and even if there is it’s not a place one would want to sit on for very long.
@@jjnewman65 Thornton customs is working on a custom pillion seat. Although, you have to change the rear shock. To hold the extra weight. Not really a worth while mod in my mind. If you need an extra seat the speed master is for sure the better option
Has the sound gone weird on your videos or my computer....on both Indian videos....sound cutting off and on...
I had an Indian Scout Bobber before trading for a Harley Forty-Eight. I couldn’t agree more with your observations about Indian missing some of the details that one would expect on such a premium motorcycle. The flimsy plastic radiator cowl, the visible wiring behind the headlight cowl and the fact that the bar end mirrors would hit the fuel tank at full lock all detracted from the feeling of overall quality. Unfortunate because the bike was a performance beast and a blast to ride.
Bwahaaaaas... those shoe protectors!!! Dude, you can’t criticise Indian for a few rough unfinished touches and then say hey look at my shoe protectors 🤦🏼♂️🤣🤣
Well played!🤣🤣
Man, I have a wife if I want reason and above average decision making, I've got to keep my eye on you!! LOL I want one. I don't need one, and thats entirely too much money to spend on anything that doesn't make you enough money to cover some costs, much less something I'd ride part time. Ok, I'll say goodbye, too, have you looked at a Speedmaster,?? I'll go check your playlist.
Very good point Roger!🤣
And a superb shout re the Speedmaster... I have one coming mid-July!
@@FreddieDobbs looking forward to the Speedmaster review. My uncle had an old Daytona 500 when I was a kid in the 60s,and I e always had a soft spot for Triump....you cant sling a dead cat without hitting a Harley around here, let's fall in love with the Speedmaster!! :)
What about the lean angle? I didn’t think big cruisers had much of a lean angle?
Not a great lean angle, but it’s ok and surprisingly fun!😀. It is massive!!
I guess you might as well forget about the roadmaster that's a 10 feet long bike
Absolutely gigantic!! I know they don't make sense in the UK, but I just love them so much!
American cars are as wide as that Fiat is long. Now I see why you dont just park in perpendicular to the road like we do in the states. Which is a shame, because doing it that way means you are almost guaranteed parking wherever you go
Why don't you just buy the Indian chieftain don't add anything comes in about the same price with more accessories. Also sounds like you just nit picked the bike.
Is the plug on the tank not a 12v out Freddie?
I don't think so- I actually never managed to figure out what it was
Throw a chain through the wheel like a bicycle? No no. Lock the forks my man. It comes with the key and hardware.
@@WayfairingSam do what you do😁
The steering lock is the worst. They tested the steering locks on every bike that has it. Ever single one failed the test.
@@HeroGuitar94 do you have a reference or source for this claim? I really would like to see the information. This is interesting.
@@joevsfood will look for the source.
I think the same way 😂 I check the price to what else I could buy.
I'd stick to the Bonnie.
I still couldn't bring myself to selling the Bonneville!
Just got a brand new chieftain and the insurance fully comp is less than £400 , £1500 is taking the urine out 😂
Many factors go into calculating your insurance. The big one we all talk about is your yearly no claims bonus. But also all that information you put when applying for a quote. Also factors outside our control play a part. Such as the current economy affecting insurance premiums and the time of year you take out a policy.
Freddie, the socket thing is a plug-in for a battery tender I think?
Start a "Go fund me" page. If someone can get thousands because their child cried, I reckon you've a decent chance of owning this motorcycle very soon ;-)
I LOVE the sound of that!😃🖤🏍
Ahhhhh battery tender makes sense!
Loving the channel Freddie. The balance between locations, bikey stuff and gear etc. is spot on. Makes for a very entertaining viewing. Thanks for all your efforts 👍. I do prefer the Speedmaster - but then, as I own a new T100 I'm bound to be biased - just a little 😁👍
I liked your gloves.
I took one of these out luved it , looks power the lot....but stupid money,your comparison is not that good ,Harley or honda would of been better
What are the odds the motorcycle gods give you a new Royal Enfield to review?
Frustratingly I had an Interceptor, Himalayan and Continental ALL before my RUclips channel! I’m a huge fan and will try and borrow them again for RUclips!🙂
😢 would love to hear what you think about them.
I tested the Himalayan, loved it.
So easy, so versatile, and cheap.
My dream would be a classic 500 though.
*If we're going to compare a Triumph with that particular Indian, it has to be a Speedmaster or a Rocket. Their cruisers.* And if you're looking at Hyundai, blink twice to let us know someone has a gun to your head.
The looks are obviously a "Marmite" issue. Can't stand it myself, but I can kind of see what people do see in it, just not my cup of tea. I just can't get over the price/value for money when compared to equivalent BMW/Honda touring machines eg Goldwing etc.
It's a very good point, because there's a lot of extremely good competition out there- we're spoilt for choice!
The finish is way off the quality of Harley but the price is up there. And the Americans and the accessory catalogue are even worse than BMW.
How tall are you?
I’m 6’1
I ride this bike. I'm 6'3" it is very roomy
Gosh it’s huge?
Thats what she said
Nobody’s nicking that thing it would be impossible to sell such a niche market.
Very true!